News Flash! Cracking Your Knuckles Isn't Bad For You

Call your mama up so you can serve her some cold, hard facts! As it turns out, knuckle-cracking isn’t as bad as the world (your mother) led you to believe. According to a study with 40 participants where researchers “used a combination of ultrasounds and grip strength tests to measure the effects” of cracking your knuckles, it officially doesn’t have any harmful effects.

And because this study is the gift that keeps on giving, knuckle-cracking is reported to actually be good for you because the “participants allegedly experienced a better range of mobility.” Ha! Take that, mother. She always told me that cracking my knuckles ruined my finger bones. And some medical professionals actually agreed with her, even going as far as claiming that knuckle-cracking can lead to arthritis.

False. And if you’re wondering about that “popping” sound when you crack your knuckles, it’s “due to fluid rushing into the cavity after the separation.” Again, no negative impact. ;)